The inadequacies of contemporary oropharyngeal suction

Airway management is the highest priority in any resuscitation. Suction equipment capable of rapidly clearing the oropharynx is mandatory for airway management. Inadequate oropharyngeal suction with standard equipment may be associated with major complications in emergency airway management. We report cases that illustrate the inadequacies of standard suction equipment. Available oropharyngeal aspirators and their limitations are discussed. Recent advances in the field of oropharyngeal suction also are described.